Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School

Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School (CRCDS) has been training men and women for careers in ministry, public service, academic life and prophetic witness to our nation and the world since 1817. Our life and work have always been on the cutting edge of progressive theological reflection and courageous public witness on behalf of the needs of the poor, the marginalized and the forgotten persons of our society. When you attend CRCDS, you are not simply being trained to do a particular task with skill and efficiency. More importantly, you are being prepared to be leaders in the work of theological education and social transformation.

CRCDS is a wonderful setting in which to study and learn. Our curriculum is challenging and engaging and our setting in western New York is as rich in cultural opportunities as it is in history. Walk along any street in Rochester and imagine that Frederick Douglass, the former slave and abolitionist leader once stood on that very spot. Walk a bit further and remember that Susan B. Anthony breathed life into the women’s suffrage movement right here in Rochester. Come to the campus and recall that Walter Rauschenbusch gave birth to the Social Gospel at CRCDS; and Howard Thurman learned to poetically express his prayers and theology. Finally, Martin Luther King Jr. (Crozer 1951) was formed, theologically trained, and encouraged to combat social injustice by this very school.

While our history is impressive, CRCDS is not inviting you into a walk along memory lane. Our challenge and our opportunity is to shape the next generation of pastors, prophets and transformative leaders in the church and society.

Mission StatementRooted in the biblical mandate for justice and mercy, CRCDS prepares women and men for ministry in the local church and beyondthat is learned, pastoral and prophetic.

We equip leaders for transforming ministry that speaks truth to power and stands among “the least of these.”

We engage the theological disciplines in an ecumenical Christian community of teaching, learning and worship.